Leaving CRC/Arriving in Iraq

Okay so let me start off by saying I will try to make my blogs more humorous and try not to make them so long but the main point of these postings is to keep everyone updated on my adventure so some of these blogs might be a little longer based on my experience. I know its been around 10 days since my last post but things have been hectic since my arrival in Iraq. I have enjoyed reading all the comments so please continue and I promise to post more now that I’m settled.

So lets go back and start with my departure from CRC at Fort Benning. The last couple of days were nothing compared to the first couple of days as everything was organized and on schedule. I finished all my paperwork and training Thursday (April 10th) evening and was ready to fly out the following day. So after returning the rental car and checking out of the hotel I headed to the base where I would sit and wait for the next several hours as we didn’t leave until 9pm Friday night but there were TV’s around so I was able to keep myself busy. We finally boarded the plane and took off for our trip across the pond with a stop in Shannon, Ireland. Although we didn’t get to leave the airport everything around the area seemed green…. After a brief stop we boarded the plane and took off for Kuwait where I would spend the next 9 hours waiting to catch my plane into Iraq. Finally caught my flight via a C-130 which was pretty cool although it was quite noisy.

I finally arrived in Iraq around 10:30am Sunday (April 13th) morning after flying for nearly 2 days especially with the time change. I was greeted at the airport by Brian and Kelly who were kind enough to show me around the base but also play a joke on me. So after greeting me and walking towards the Hummer that we use as our vehicle Brian and Kelly started to check under the vehicle for suspicious things and so of course I ask, “What are you guys looking for?” and Kelly responds with “Its procedure can’t trust anyone out here.” So after making a few stops they have me check under the vehicle for any suspicious things…. After a couple times Brian finally let me in on the joke that I didn’t need to check, they were just messing with me… as we all busted out in laughter… Of course how am I suppose to know what I’m suppose to do… I just go here… so hahaha good one guys…!

After showing me around the base we went to grab some lunch at the DFAC (dining facility) where I was asked about my opinion of the food……. And I told them I thought it was pretty good! Again I got laughter as Brian and Kelly can’t stand the food, but hey I’ve had cafeteria food before so it doesn’t bother me. Other than that just been working long hours trying to learn as much as I can while Brian is still here. I go to the gym everyday which is a nice break to get out of the office. Everyday is pretty much the same as I wake up, walk to work, work for a few hours, lunch, work some more, workout, dinner, work some more, go home and sleep.

I will say that Thursday (April 17th) was an interesting day as that was my first time experiencing the alarms and the Voice. It wasn’t a great day weather wise as we had an all day dust storm which meant we would take a beating in regards to getting attacked. I would say we experienced over 20 attacks throughout the entire day. None were really in the general vicinity but it definitely made me aware of where I was and my surroundings. Basically if you are in a covered building you are safe, but if you aren’t in one of those buildings then you need to seek a bunker when the alarm goes off. Luckily for me I was sleeping and didn’t hear the first alarm but I heard all the others… hahahahaha!

I also received my first care package, thank you Bevin and Taylor, for the card, donuts, twizzlers, and crackers. It was really nice to receive something from home, so THANK YOU!

I guess I can describe my living quarters for those of you who keep asking. I basically live in a small dorm room with bunk beds although I don't share a room with anyone, but some people do especially the soldiers. Everything is dusty and brown...! I like to think of myself as a clean person but its pointless here, the sand/dust comes in no matter what so I'm always using disinfectant wipes... So if anyone is sending a care package soon please send me disinfectant wipes.... I use them all the time. Okay so back to the room, there are two wall lockers and a dresser thats it... I guess its a basic military setup. No wonder I didn't join out of high school.

Well I guess that will do it for now, but I will be sure to post more often and take pictures. We are going to take a bunch of pictures in the upcoming days since Brian is leaving next week, so I will post those once we make fools of ourselves. Until next time… Happy Readings!